20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 104)

Question Time Stamps for Quick Reference: 0:00 - Intro 1. 0:38 {Avoiding the Appearance of Evil?} You recently said, “Scripture says: avoid the appearance of evil.“ I was wondering, if 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 is the verse you were thinking of, isn’t that Scripture referring to staying away from partaking in evil, not abstaining from things that look like you’re partaking in evil to others? 2. 17:49 {About Jesus’ DNA} What was Jesus’ DNA? Was Jesus’ DNA 100% from God, or did He have Mary’s human DNA? Perhaps it’s the same DNA as Adam, since Jesus is the 2nd Adam? 3. 23:25 {Angels Ascending & Descending?} What did Jesus mean in John 1: 51? Was it a specific word for Nathanael, or does it apply to everyone? Would really love some clarity. 4. 30:58 {Brotherly Support vs. Enabling Legalism} How do we balance being careful not to stumble a fellow believer, while also not catering to someone’s legalism? 5. 37:24 {Polygamy in Scripture?} Polygamy? Exodus 21: 10–11 says if he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights. Clearly, God is speaking of multiple wives. Your thoughts? 6. 44:11 {Negative Words = Neg. Consequences?} In WOF (Word of Faith) circles, 2 Kings 4:8-37 is an example of why you shouldn’t speak or pray negatively about your situation. What is the actual idea of this passage? 7. 53:41 {Envy vs. Jealousy?} Is there a difference between envy and jealousy? Can you describe what the difference is biblically? 8. 56:09 {Did Joseph Fail to “Test the Spirits”?} 1 John 4 says to “test the spirits.” But Mary’s husband, Joseph, didn’t appear to do this when he had the dream to flee to Egypt. How should we understand or interpret this? 9. 1:00:20 {Must we “Wait for God” before Salvation?} Can you get saved whenever? My church teaches that God must first “knock on your heart” before you can respond and accept salvation. This leads to some people wanting to be saved, but waiting. 10. 1:05:51 {Clarifying a Difficult Passage} A local UMC pastor preached on Matthew 18: 21-35. She said scholars say that Matthew added verses 34-35 and that the master does not represent God. I’ve never heard this take and it sounds concerning. Any insight? 11. 1:09:12 {Why Didn’t Jesus Baptize?} Why didn’t Jesus water baptize anyone Himself (John 4:2)? 12. 1:13:20 {Do Not Evangelize to Some People?} Are there situations or groups of people for whom we shouldn’t share the Gospel? Acts 16:6-7 seems to say so, but I’d love to hear your insight on the topic and your interpretation of this passage. 13. 1:17:21 {Godly Headship Carried Out} What does a husband being the head of the wife actually mean he does? I don’t find any actionable steps or clear examples in the Bible. Does he boss her around or just be a good man? 14. 1:22:20 {Do We Each Have a “Calling”?} How do we know how we (individually) are meant to serve the Lord? 15. 1:25:32 {Thoughts on Genesis 1/Creation} I’ve recently seen Inspiring Philosophy’s video on Genesis 1. He says that it’s most likely mirroring the near East tradition of assigning purpose rather than actual creation. Thoughts? 16. 1:34:09 {Song of Solomon = Christ & Church?} I am currently studying Song of Solomon, and I was wondering, do you believe that it represents Christ and the Church? I have an issue with that, as the book describes a sexual relationship. 17. 1:37:30 {Can Same-Sex Attractions Change?} I’m a Christian, converted this year. I’ve felt the Holy Spirit inspire me to live a better life in many ways. But I still struggle with one thing. I’m gay and I struggle to see how my attraction could change. 18. 1:40:35 {DND, Harry Potter, etc.} The Bible is clear about its stance on sorcery and witchcraft. My husband and I play DND and some people were having an issue with this and potentially also with books containing magic. What are your thoughts? 19. 1:45:39 {Godly Dating Practices} What is the best way to date for marriage as a Christian? Is there a good way to sift through people to find someone equally yoked? 20. 1:49:05 {Loving the Lord with Everything} I’ve been wondering about the great commandment Jesus gives in Matthew 22: 36. Seems like a Deuteronomy 6 quote, but why does Jesus change the last quality from “might” to “mind”? Bonus Q! 1:52:02 Were they really taking the Hobbits to Isengard? Here’s Christopher Yuan’s book “Holy Sexuality“ (affiliate link) To ask a question all you need to do is wait till after the stream starts (which means waiting until I’m actually on screen talking), post a question in the live chat with a Q at the opening of it, and be as clear as you can. Thanks! Today’s stream is going to start off with a verse that I only recently realized I had used wrongly for years. It’s not clickbait, this is a bit embarrassing but a good lesson for me to share with others.